2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch: Week 5 Preview

Watch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college scouting Dane Vandernat discuss some of the marquee matchups for college football in Week Five, along with some prospects that the NFLPA Bowl will be keeping tabs on, as he joined Ric Serritella during ‘The State of Football’ show on Sports Illustrated.

 

Below are some of the highly contested games that NFL scouts will be sure to pay close attention to this weekend:

Featured Game: Pittsburgh at Georgia Tech, Saturday, October 2nd, 12:00pm

The 3-1 Panthers start off their ACC schedule with a matchup against the 2-2 Yellow Jackets. This matchup will be a clash between the high-powered Pitt offense against a tough Georgia Tech defense. Led by senior signal-caller Kenny Pickett, the Panthers will look to take advantage of his big arm and push the football downfield. Competing to prevent that is cornerback Tre Swilling who possesses good size and physicality as well as the feisty demeanor required to succeed at the next level.

 

Featured Game: #6 Oklahoma at Kansas State, Saturday, October 2nd, 3:30pm

Despite going into the year as favorites, the Sooners have looked vulnerable to start the season. Trying to orchestrate an upset, Kansas State defensive linemen Timmy Horne and Bronson Massie are facing tough matchups against Oklahoma’s stout offensive line led by mauling guards Marquis Hayes and Tyrese Robinson. Staying in the trenches, the Sooners have two players with an NFL future on the defensive side of the ball as well in Perrion Winfrey and Isaiah Thomas who pair intriguing size with the necessary athleticism to get after the passer.

 

*For more insight on the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl process, including players who have caught our attention, be sure to tune in to ‘The State of Football’ every Thursday at 9:00am eastern time, as executive director Dane Vandernat joins Ric Serritella on Sports Illustrated!

 

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Week Four Watch List Report

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will provide insight into some of the top prospect performances from around the nation! Be sure to keep up with our latest game announcements on Twitter @NFLPABowl.

 

For the second consecutive week, Fresno State quarterback Jake Haener willed the Bulldogs to a 38-30 comeback victory over UNLV with four touchdown tosses in the second half, on his way to 455 passing yards on the day. The late-game heroics highlighted his pinpoint accurate and calm demeanor, as Haener has proved to be as cool as a cucumber. His ascension as one of the premier signal-callers in college football may be a bit of a surprise to the national media but not inside the Fresno locker room.

“You could see the talent Jake had a year ago but he hadn’t had enough time to work with the guys around him,” Fresno State head coach Kalen DeBoer explained. “We can probably find seven, eight throws from this weekend’s game that he physically could have made a year ago, but it wouldn’t have been successful because he just wouldn’t have been dialed in with his receivers.”

On the season, Haener leads the nation in passing yardage with 1,842, is second in the country with 18 touchdowns, and is completing an impressive 73.1% of his passes. While not heavily on the NFL radar when the season began, Haener is clearly a known commodity within the scouting community.

 

 

It was a coming-out party of sorts for Cory Durden and North Carolina State, as the Wolfpack pulled off one of the biggest wins in program history with an exhilarating double-overtime victory over Clemson. The senior defensive tackle was a disruptive force, showcasing his strength and speed while registering one and a half sacks.

“We know how good we are as a defense, that confidence level is there,” Durden stated after the game. “All week that’s what we’ve been preaching, we’re going to show people that we’re the best defense in the country. It was a great feeling to win the game on defense.”

A highly heralded recruit coming out of high school, Durden made an immediate impact during his time with Florida State, before transferring to NC State for 2021. His ability to provide an interior pass-rush presence and constantly place the quarterback under duress have followed him over from Tallahassee. Durden needs to refine some of the technical aspects of his overall game but his raw athleticism and get-off are unquestioned. His performance against Clemson is evidence.

 

 

Few, if any players are performing at a higher level than Michigan pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson. The Wolverines senior team captain was back at it again this past week, racking up five tackles, including one sack and several quarterback pressures. While Hutchinson has had success in the past playing with his hand in the dirt, defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald has utilized him more in a stand-up role this season. His versatility should entice every NFL team, as Hutchinson appears poised for the first round with his high level of play.

“Don’t get in his way. When you have great players, you try to put them in positions to succeed, and the expectation is that he plays at the level that he’s playing at,” Macdonald said. “We’ll have wrinkles, and we want to move him around, but we don’t want to overthink it either. We don’t want to get in the way of that, but Aidan’s doing a great job.” After an injury-riddled 2020 campaign, Hutchinson has come out of the gates like a barnstormer, as he now has four and a half sacks and 15 tackles through his first four games.

 

 

The Oklahoma State defense has been stellar thus far this season, thanks largely in part to the consistent play of underappreciated safety Kolby Harvell-Peel, who shows up each week with his lunch bucket in hand. The imposing safety put in a full day of work again in week four, collecting a season-high eight tackles and making a momentum-changing interception before the end of the first half during an upset victory over Kansas State. It was his second big turnover in as many weeks.

“Nothing special that I’m seeing,” Harvell-Peel said after the game. “I’m just trying to do my job. I had a couple of chances where I felt I should have made plays. I’m just trying to capitalize on the chances I do get to get my hands on the ball.” While some wait for those chances, Harvell-Peel creates them with his great instincts and anticipation. Serving as the last line of defense for the Cowboys, there are plenty of more opportunities sure to come. Blessed with great range and size, Harvell-Peel offers NFL appeal due to his ability to cover plenty of ground in pass coverage, while also plugging holes against the run.

 

 

Bryant senior kicker Luke Samperi is one player to keep an eye on. The FCS standout kicker was flawless once again during the Bulldogs’ win over Marist, nailing two field goals, including a 41-yarder and converting all four of his extra point attempts. A former soccer player, Samperi switched over to football during his senior season of high school and continues to get better each year. In fact, he has hit multiple game-winning field goals during his time at Bryant. While Samperi experienced some struggles early on during his collegiate career, he has since strengthened his leg and improved his overall accuracy. In addition, Samperi has developed into a dependable touchback machine on kickoffs. It would not be surprising to see him compete for a spot at the next level with his newfound consistency and boot.

 

 

*For more insight on the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl process, including players who have caught our attention, be sure to tune in to ‘The State of Football’ every Thursday at 9:00am eastern time, as executive director Dane Vandernat joins Ric Serritella on Sports Illustrated!   

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch: Week 4 Preview

Below are a pair of players that our evaluators will be keeping an eye on this upcoming week. Tune in each Thursday to ‘The State of Football’ on Sports Illustrated at 9:00 am eastern time, as NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college recruiting Dane Vandernat joins host Ric Serritella to discuss more top prospects from across the country!

 

 

Reggie Roberson, WR, SMU | Next Up: SMU at TCU – Saturday, September 25th 

The NFLPA Collegiate Bowl has recognized the super senior wideout previously, as he continues to shine for the Mustangs high-octane offense. Last week, Roberson hauled in six receptions for 71 receiving yards and one touchdown. The explosive receiver demonstrates great versatility with his ability to lineup inside or outside. Roberson does an excellent job getting in and out of his routes cleanly while showing a knack for the big play. In fact, if he is able to see pay-dirt this week versus TCU, it would be his 20th career touchdown.

 

Holton Ahlers, QB, ECU | Next Up: Charleston Southern at ECU – Saturday, September 25th 

ECU southpaw signal-caller Holton Ahlers is considered one of the premier senior quarterback prospects due to his size, arm strength, and ability to read through progressions. Last week, was Ahlers 11th career game of 300-plus yards passing, as he lit up Marshall for 368, to go along with two touchdown passes. Just for good measure, Ahlers delivered another score via the ground and even caught a touchdown reception to give him four total on the day. His savvy will be on display once again this week, as the Pirates host Charleston Southern. With 161 passing yards, Ahlers will reach 8,000 yards passing in what will be his 34th career start.

 

Be sure to check back each week as the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl scouting department highlights some of the top standouts in college football each week who are under consideration for the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl to be held on January 29th at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Week Three Watch List Report

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will provide insight into some of the top prospect performances from around the nation! Be sure to keep up with our latest game announcements on Twitter @NFLPABowl.     

 

Southeastern Louisiana senior signal-caller Cole Kelly continues to work his magic for the Lions with his methodical ways. His latest theatrics came at the mercy of Central Connecticut State, as the 2020 Walter Payton Award Winner threw for 444 yards and four touchdowns in week three. After a tumultuous start to his collegiate career at Arkansas, Kelly has found a rebirth playing back in his hometown state.

“They throw the ball 70 percent of the time, and obviously the quarterback (Cole Kelley) is the guy that makes it go. He’s surrounded by a plethora of skill players that are talented and there don’t seem to be a lot of mistakes on film at least,” said CCSU head coach Ryan McCarthy. “I had a chance to see him down in Arkansas for a few spring practices when he was a true freshman, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a quarterback that big in person. He’s an impressive player, and he’s obviously big, but he can make things happen when things break down. He’s savvy enough to shovel the ball and get to his check downs. He has a really good understanding of where his guys are.”

One of the taller quarterback prospects eligible for the 2022 NFL Draft, Kelly is listed at 6-foot-7 and 260 pounds. Due to his combination of arm strength, scrambling and ability to improvise, he should earn a hard look at the next level.

 


In following his former head coach at Boston College over to Colorado State, running back David Bailey has had a profound impact early on this season, as evidenced once again this past week. The workhorse back wore down the Toledo defense to the tune of 132 rushing yards on 30 carries. One of the more surprising elements of his overall game has been his receiving prowess out of the backfield. In fact, Bailey has made several key catches thus far, totaling 321 all-purpose yards through the first three games, with four touchdowns, including two rushing scores and two receiving touchdowns.

“He’s got pro hands,” Rams head coach Addazio said during his weekly press conference. “He’s a vacuum cleaner. He catches everything.” Similar sentiments were also echoed by Rams offensive coordinator Jon Budmayr. “He’s got elite hands, which you pair that with his speed and he’s actually a really good route runner,” Budmayr said. “He knows how to attack leverages and that part, so you’ve got to find a way to get him the ball. When he’s one of your playmakers and can do that and have that dynamic in the passing game, it adds value to him.” The old adage remains true, that the more you can do, the more valuable you are and Bailey should be viewed as such by the scouting community.

 


The Appalachian State wide receiver corps is one of the most dangerous in the nation. Earlier this season, we discussed Mountaineers playmaker Thomas Hennigan. This week, we examine his counterpart Corey Sutton, who pairs with Hennigan like ‘Starsky and Hutch.’ After a short stint at Kansas State to begin his career, Sutton transferred to Appalachian State where he burst onto the scene, totaling 85 receptions for 1,374 yards during his first two seasons. A knee injury endured during the end of his 2019 campaign, which led to his decision to opt-out of the 2020 season, as he continued his rehab. Now appearing healthy and back at full strength, Sutton has flashed some of his old explosiveness, along with his crisp route running and knack for making plays in traffic.

“I haven’t had a full season except for 2018 here, but it’s 2021 now and I’m a whole different athlete right now,” Sutton explained. “It’s time to go out there and just let everything fall how it’s going to fall.” While scouts will be monitoring his durability, they’ll also be digging into his personal background, as his dad also played for the Mountaineers before getting picked up by the Chicago Bears, while his younger brother Coen, is also currently a wide receiver for the school.

 

Versatile Louisville defensive back Qwynnterrio Cole has been an impact player for the Cardinals since his arrival from Alcorn State and pro scouts have taken notice. The two-time HBCU All-American has showcased a true nose for the ball, with impressive instincts and propensity for the interception.

“He’s done a really good job of just learning what we do and why,” said safeties coach Greg Gasparato. “The safeties are the quarterbacks of this defense. They’re going to make your calls, your split adjustments, your motion adjustments, all that’s on the back end. Understanding who’s in coverage with them, where their leverage needs to be, why they make certain calls in certain situations. That’s what he’s done a really, really good job of since he got here.”

Cole expects to be one of the top-caliber senior prospects due to his ability to play cornerback or safety and size. Plus, he is adept in man coverage against the pass and an effective open-field tackler against the run. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound defender has shown up constantly around the ball, recording 19 tackles through his first three games. Be sure to file his name come April.

 


West Virginia safety Alonzo Addae was up to his usual tricks again this past week, racking up 10 tackles, including a big sack during the Mountaineers’ upset victory over Virginia Tech. The graduate transfer from New Hampshire seems to have a much greater comfort level during his second season in Morgantown.

“I just have a much greater knowledge of this defense,” Addae explained earlier this season. “A lot of the formations, motions […] it was the first time I was seeing a lot of that stuff at game speed last year. Being able to have a year under my belt, I’m more comfortable with the defense and the people who surround me.”

Known to be a ferocious hitter who plays extremely smart, Addae was selected by the Ottawa Redblacks of the CFL Draft in 2021 but decided to return to school. For the 2022 draft cycle, there’s a very good chance that he could hear his name called by an NFL team, should he continue to play at such a high level.

 

Meet the new FCS record holder for all-time field goals, James Madison kicker Ethan Ratke, who broke the previous mark held by Dan Carpenter of Montana (75) with three successful field goal conversions (44, 40 and 40 yards) during the Dukes win over Weber State. The CAA all-time scoring leader now has an outside chance to break the NCAA Division I record of 96 set by Zane Gonzalez of Arizona State.

“I’m just trying to think about getting through the first kick. And then getting to it as it comes,” Ratke said. “But it’s crazy to even think about. I’m just so fortunate to have gotten to this point in my career.” For his career, the senior is 78-of-91 on field goal attempts and placed a major emphasis on kicking for distance, along with his long ball accuracy, in an attempt to expand his max comfort range of mid-fifty yards. Playing on one of the FCS powerhouse programs such as JMU should benefit Ratke in his exposure to NFL teams, as he attempts to win scouts over with his consistency and ability to handle kickoff duties.

 

*For more insight on the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl process, including players who have caught our attention, be sure to tune in to ‘The State of Football’ every Thursday at 9:00am eastern time, as executive director Dane Vandernat joins Ric Serritella on Sports Illustrated!      

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Week Two Watch List Report   

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will provide insight into some of the top prospect performances from around the nation! Be sure to keep up with our latest game announcements on Twitter @NFLPABowl. 

 

The pass launched on a prayer by Jacksonville State senior quarterback Zerrick Cooper will be remembered as the greatest play in school history, as the Gamecocks pulled off a stunning upset victory over Florida State with a Hail Mary play! Already on the NFL radar, Cooper showed off some of his alluring arm talent attributes, tossing for 242 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns during the win. “You’ve got to play at a certain level execution-wise in these type games and we did that tonight,” Jacksonville State coach John Grass said. “(Damond) beat his man, Zerrick made a perfect throw, he made a great cut down there and Ahmad (Edwards) made a big block and got him in the end zone.” For Cooper, he also became the all-time passing leader in JMU history, surpassing the previous mark set by Eli Jenkins (7,652). The one-time transfer from Clemson will look to build upon this game to help strengthen his draft stock come April, he is one to watch as the season wears on.


Oregon running back CJ Verdell pulled out the joystick on Ohio State, as the Ducks downed the Buckeyes due to some terrific plays generated by the senior. Verdell answered some of the questions about his long speed, breaking off a 77-yard touchdown scamper to help ice the game, his second via the ground. He would add another score as a pass-catcher and finish with 161 rushing yards, along with 34 receiving yards on the day. While many of the media pundits and Ohio State players seemed surprised, it was expected by Verdell, who could be heard after the game saying, “We expected this.” He would elaborate further during his post-game interview stating, “We saw the Minnesota running back was having a good game, and we wanted to do the same thing,” referring to the Buckeyes previous opponent. Suddenly, Oregon has grandioso aspirations for this college football season and that means the versatile Verdell is sure to receive plenty of additional attention.

No one has benefitted from the new up-tempo offense installed by Boise State offensive coordinator Tim Plough more than playmaker Khalil Shakir. The spectacular senior wide receiver has shredded opponents early on this season, as demonstrated during the Broncos 54-13 win over UAB. The California native made several big plays worthy of SportsCenter, a testament to his incredible athleticism, body control, and concentration. “I don’t know how he made a couple of those catches,” teammate JL Skinner said after the game. “I don’t have an explanation for that. It’s just Shak.” A team captain and son of a football coach, Shakir has lined up at wide receiver, running back, and even wildcat at times. However, his best position at the next level is clearly at wideout and scouts will appreciate his inside/outside prowess. After accumulating over 800 receiving yards in each of the past two seasons, the former four-star recruit now has 257 receiving yards through the first two games and could challenge for the school’s single-season receiving mark set by Thomas Sperbeck (1,412).


His first name Bumper originates from his dad’s first love, pool but Arkansas linebacker Bumper Pool could also be called a thumper due to his devastating hits. Arguably the toughest player in college football, opponents are sure to check where Pool is aligned prior to the snap, it’s his presence that makes wide outs leery about going over the middle. The Razorbacks had an encouraging win over Texas thanks to a stellar performance by defense, led by Pool, who sat out the first half after being ejected in week one for a targeting call. He would still manage to finish with 10 tackles, showing up play after play to prevent the Longhorns from moving the chains. “He’s a really tough kid,” linebackers coach Michael Scherer said. “There were times last year when I kind of had to pull him back a little bit, because … he had busted ribs. He missed a game because we had to hold him back because he was banged up so much.” Despite missing parts of the first two games, Pool, who had 195 tackles over the past two seasons in 21 games, now has 24 tackles through his first two games. He comes with pedigree, opting for Arkansas over powerhouse programs such as Alabama and LSU. Look for Pool to hear his name called during the NFL Draft come April as a solid pro prospect.


Break up the Hawkeyes! Iowa improved to 2-0 with another impressive win over Iowa State, on the heels of two momentum-changing interceptions by safety Matt Hankins. Blessed with prototype size, Hankins is an instinctual ball-hawk who reacts quickly and turns into an offensive weapon going the other way with the ball in his hands. He would finish with four tackles and add a pass breakup during the rivalry matchup. “My job out there is to be the player coach,” Hankins said earlier this year. “It’s different hearing it from a coach, but when you hear from one of your own peers, you might take it in a little bit more.” A four-year starter and team captain, Hankins possesses ‘make-it’ traits for the next level and is one of the more under heralded senior prospects for the 2022 NFL Draft.


Not to be outdone by his teammate Matt Hankins, fellow Hawkeyes safety Riley Moss played another stout game, making eight tackles during their win over Iowa State. Moss stepped up nicely filling the gaps against the run. The prior week, he demonstrated his coverage instincts by nabbing a pair of ‘pick-six’ interceptions against Indiana. The early season performance has certainly made scouts make sure they do their homework on the lengthy senior prospect.


*For more insight on the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl process, including players who have caught our attention, be sure to tune in to ‘The State of Football’ every Thursday at 9:00am eastern time, as executive director Dane Vandernat joins Ric Serritella on Sports Illustrated!   

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81 players from 2021 Collegiate Bowl Sign With NFL Rosters

The 2021 NFLPA-U at the Collegiate Bowl produced some amazing players and we are proud to announce that 81 alums have landed NFL club roster spots. At this point, there are 35 participants on 53-man active rosters, 36 participants on practice squads, and 10 participants on other reserve listings.

 

 

Congratulations to all these guys, we can’t wait to see what they will accomplish on their new teams.

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch: Week 2 Preview

Watch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college scouting Dane Vandernat discuss some of the marquee matchups for college football in Week Two, along with some prospects that the NFLPA Bowl will be keeping tabs on, as he joined Ric Serritella during ‘The State of Football’ show on Sports Illustrated. 

Below are some of the highly contested games that NFL scouts will be sure to pay close attention to this weekend: 

Featured Game: Pittsburgh at Tennessee, Saturday, September 11th, 12:00pm 

A potential shootout in the making, Pittsburgh senior signal-caller Kenny Pickett looks to show off his rifle arm in Knoxville, as they take on Tennessee. Will the cerebral Pickett, who likes to spread the ball around, avoid Tennessee senior Alontae Taylor? The lockdown cornerback continues to build an impressive resume with his blanket-like coverage. This is certain to be one of the more polarizing prospect matchups that pro scouts will be keeping an eye on.

 

Featured Game: Appalachian State at Miami, Saturday, September 11th, 7:00pm 

The Hurricanes look to avenge a week one loss to Alabama, as they host Appalachian State, featuring the dynamic senior duo of quarterback Chase Brice and wide receiver Thomas Hennigan. For the Hurricanes, senior quarterback D’Eriq King looks to rebound and help state his case as a next-level signal-caller. On defense, Miami senior safety Bubba Bolden has been a sponge to his current mentor Ed Reed and is one prospect whose draft stock is on the rise.

 

Featured Game: Missouri at Kentucky, Saturday, September 11th, 7:30pm  

Sliding under the radar is Missouri senior linebacker Blaze Alldredge, who racked up 10.5 tackles, including three and a half sacks in week one. His counterpart Akayleb Evans, a transfer from Tulsa, also got off to a good start, coming up with a big interception. For Kentucky, gamebreaker Josh Ali will attempt to duplicate last week’s magic, as the senior wideout hauled in five balls for 136 receiving yards and a score.

 

Featured Game: Louisiana at Nicholls State, Saturday, September 11th, 7:00pm 

One of the best kept secrets in college football is DaiJean Dixon of Nicholls State, who brings pro size, a big catch radius, and tremendous body control. Look for the senior wide receiver to have a bust-out season. However, he’ll face a daunting opponent in the Rajun Cajuns stellar defense, which features a handful of potential prospects. Senior cornerback Eric Garror and safeties Percy Butler and Bralen Trahan will have plenty of opportunities to impress NFL evaluators.

 

It’s sure to be an exciting season, so check back for frequent updates throughout the season as we update you on which players are rising, sliding, and surprising. Follow us on Twitter @NFLPABowl for the latest news and announcements!

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Week One Watch List Report

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will provide insight into some of the top prospect performances from around the nation! Be sure to keep up with our latest game announcements on Twitter @NFLPABowl.

 

Western Kentucky senior signal-caller Bailey Zappe made good on his Hilltoppers debut, tossing for 424 passing yards, along with seven touchdowns during their win over UT-Martin in week one. The record-setting transfer quarterback from Houston Baptist played an efficient game, completing 80% of his passes, while connecting with 11 different wide receivers, including five different targets for scores.

“It felt great,” Zappe said of his night. “To be honest, that stuff doesn’t happen without receivers like we have and the offensive front. To be able to come out clean, with no sacks or pressures, is big. . . . It was a great start, great start to the season. I love it, it’s awesome, look forward to doing it more.”

With over 10,000 career passing yards at the FCS level, Zappe continues to try and convert scouts into believers. He has showcased the ability to make all the throws and has tremendous poise in the pocket. The graduate senior has had a prolific collegiate career, as the accolades continue to pile up. The NFL will have no choice but to pay attention.

 

 

UNLV super senior running back Charles Williams turned in a resilient performance in week one, despite a devastating double overtime loss to Eastern Washington. The elusive and explosive runner toted the rock 27 times for 172 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a fourth quarter score to help tie the game. The wins have been hard to come by during his Rebels career but Williams remained positive after the game stating, “We can’t look at this loss and hang on to it all season. We’ve got 11 more games to go, so we’ve got to focus on those 11 games.”

The Fresno native has now surpassed 3,000 rushing yards for his career and has an excellent opportunity to improve his draft stock next week against a pro-coached Arizona State defense. Keep an eye on this backfield dart who blends spend and power, as he could ultimately land on the NFL Draft radar.

 

 

Appalachian State senior wide receiver Thomas Hennigan reminded NFL scouts of his explosive game-breaker speed with a big performance in a rout over East Carolina, nabbing four balls for 114 receiving yards, including one receiving touchdown and a key 68-yard catch over the middle to help set up another score. A team captain and academic All-American, Hennigan has been known to set the tone.

“I’m going to do whatever I got to do, along with all the other ten guys on the field, to do whatever it takes to win,” Hennigan said. “I’ve always been a ‘lead by example’ kind of guy, so (if I) do the right things on and off the field, naturally I think the younger guys will follow.”

He possesses a muscular-built frame, runs crisp routes, knows how to create separation and can scoot after the catch. With a strong opening week performance in the books and 11 games remaining, Henningan needs 1,003 receiving yards to break the school’s all-time record held by Brian Quick (3,418).

 

 

Playing in his hometown of Charlotte, disruptive Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis seized the moment during the Bulldogs week one win over Clemson. It was a stymied defense, led by the mammoth man in the middle, which constantly kept the Tigers offense in check with constant pressure in the backfield. In fact, Davis absorbed two and three bodies regularly, which resulted in seven sacks on the evening for the Georgia defense, including one himself. His strength and burst off the line of scrimmage is a force to be reckoned with and Davis has finally developed into a three down player.

“He’s elite at pocket push, elite power, one of the strongest kids I’ve ever been around,” stated Georgia head coach Kirby Smart. “He helps you the way he’s able to run games and things because he’s just different. There’s nobody quite like him in terms of the volume and the reps.”

With a rare combination of size and speed, Davis could be first round bound, so long that he keeps his weight in check. Currently listed at 350 pounds, the agile big man has been listed as much as 380 in the past. Otherwise, the former three-star recruit has firmly entrenched himself as one of the top defensive line prospects in the nation.

 

 

No stranger to adversity on or off the field, Penn State safety Jaquan Brisker turned in a valiant effort in week one, producing a game-sealing interception on a clutch fourth and goal play to help guide the Nittany Lions over Wisconsin. Known to be a brilliant football mind who spends countless hours in the film room, Brisker was not surprised by the end result stating, “I knew that they loved No. 84, so I figured I’d favor his side. Once he threw it, I made the play.”

He would finish with four tackles, including one tackle for loss and also had a fumble recovery early in the game that was eventually reversed. The gutsy performance was commendable, as Brisker was subbed in and out throughout the game, while he battled various ailments.

“It’s a testament to who he is as a football player,” teammate PJ Mustipher said. “He battled through injuries and got a pick. That’s just the type of player Brizzy is.”

He made a handful of short-yardage stops on the day and was constantly around the football when he was in the game. Brisker carries on the memory of his late brother Tale’ who was murdered at the age of 19 in Prairie View, Texas with a tattoo on his bicep. His brother would have been proud of this gutsy performance, no doubt. Be on the lookout for this defensive star whose draft stock is ascending.

 

 

Fordham football has had just two players drafted since 1955 (John Skelton in 2010 and Chase Edmonds in 2018) but there could be a third on the horizon. Make sure you store the name Ryan Greenhagen in the memory bank. A silver lining during the Rams 52-7 defeat by Nebraska, Greenhagen played as if he were shot out of a cannon in week one, registering a modern day D-1 record 30 tackles. It was the most tackles by any player against an FBS opponent since the NCAA began keeping records.

“47, he made every tackle. He’s nice for real,” Nebraska running back Markese Stepp was quoted after the game. “30!?Wow. 30 tackles…that’s a lot, he’s a monster, not gonna lie.”

A certified film junkie known for his great work ethic, Greenhagen prepares like a pro, according to the coaching staff. His relentless tenacity, diagnostic ability to read-and-react, in addition to his toughness will offer mass appeal to pro scouts.

“Even I noticed from the sideline he was all over the place,” Fordham head coach Joe Conlin said. “I would be more surprised if it was someone other than Ryan. That’s the kind of player he is. He’s the leader of our defense, a great kid. That’s how he prepares, that’s the way he plays every game.”

While there may be some athletic limitations for the New Jersey native, he clearly possesses the intangibles and size needed to stick at the next level.

 

 

*For more insight on the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl process, including players who have caught our attention, be sure to tune-in to ‘The State of Football’ every Thursday at 9:00am eastern time, as executive director Dane Vandernat joins Ric Serritella on Sports Illustrated!

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch: Week 1 Preview

Watch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college scouting Dane Vandernat discuss some of the marquee matchups for college football in Week One, along with some prospects that the NFLPA Bowl will be keeping tabs on, as he joined Ric Serritella during ‘The State of Football’ show on Sports Illustrated.

Below are some of the highly contested games that NFL scouts will be sure to pay close attention to this weekend:

 

Featured Game: Alabama at Miami, Saturday, September 4th, 3:30pm  

Two storied programs square off in this week one battle, highlighted by numerous players on the NFL radar, including Hurricanes signal-caller D’Eriq King. The athletic, dual-threat quarterback looks to state his case as a bonafide prospect at the most important position in football. A strong game against the defending champions would certainly help propel his momentum to kick off the season.  However, lockdown cornerback Josh Jobe will be doing his best to keep King in check in what should be a fun game of mental chess.

 

Featured Game: Georgia at Clemson, Saturday, September 4th, 7:30pm 

A whopping 24 players were named to the initial NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch List between these two schools. One key matchup worth monitoring is highly touted Clemson cornerback Derion Kendrick, who could find himself assigned to Georgia playmaking wideout Demetris Robertson, two players who are expected to be playing on Sunday. Bulldogs linebacker Adam Anderson is one prospect who could hear his name called on Day One come April.

 

Featured Game: LSU at UCLA, Saturday, September 4th, 8:30pm 

Another great meeting amongst two powerhouse programs to start the season, the Rose Bowl, which is home to the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl is sure to be rocking. Tantalizing quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson seemed to be working off some rust during the Bruins week zero rout over Hawaii. He will attempt to take advantage of the heavy contingent of NFL scouts expected to be in attendance for this contest. One player flying under the radar for the Tigers is center Liam Shanahan, who transferred a season ago from UMass and went on to earn the starting job.

 

Featured Game: Fresno State at Oregon, Saturday, September 4th, 2:00pm 

It was an exhilarating victory for Fresno State, as they began the season on a high note by taking care of business with a big win over UConn. The backfield duo of quarterback Jake Haener and running back Ronnie Rivers accounted for a bulk of the Bulldogs’ offensive gains. They now look to prove their worth against a top-ranked Oregon program, which featured nine players on the initial NFLPA Bowl Watch List. In fact, the Ducks boast a dynamic backfield duo in their own right with the running back tandem of CJ Verdell and Travis Dye, both of whom have caught the attention of pro evaluators.

 

It’s sure to be an exciting season, so check back for frequent updates throughout the season as we update you on which players are rising, sliding, and surprising. Follow us on Twitter @NFLPABowl for the latest news and announcements!

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2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board: Special Teams

Last but not least, we have our list of featured Big Board players from the special teams’ position. Here are just three of the guys to look out for:

 

Jake Camarda – Georgia – Punter

Since his true freshman season, Bulldogs punter Jake Camarda has shown great promise while developing into one of the nation’s top punting prospects. With touch-to-toe times in the low-to-mid 1.3s and hang times typically in the 4.2s or higher, it’s no wonder why the Norcross, Georgia product was a Ray Guy Award Finalist last season. Also impressive among Camarda’s career production are his 49 punts of 50+ yards with only 23 touchbacks. But what truly stands out to NFLPA Bowl scouts are his 53 career punts inside the 20-yard line – a true testament to the 2020 SEC Special Teams Player of the Year’s control and accuracy with the football.

 

Cameron Dicker – Texas – Placekicker

As a three-year starter for the Longhorns, Cameron Dicker has played in some big games. For a field goal kicker, NFL scouts want to see their ability to convert kicks when the game is on the line or in high-pressure situations, and Dicker has consistently delivered. In 2019, the 2021 Lou Groza Award preseason watch listee converted game-winning kicks against Big 12 rivals Kansas and Kansas State, and kicked a go-ahead 40-yard field goal vs border rival Oklahoma with 10 seconds left to play in the Red River Rivalry. As a kickoff specialist, the Lake Travis, Texas product forces a touchback on north of 69% of his attempts, and in 2020 he even punted eight times in a pinch, showing additional versatility and value for NFL teams to evaluate.

 

Jordan Silver – Arkansas – Long Snapper

As a long snapper, notoriety is not typically what follows. For NFL talent evaluators, consistency among specialists is paramount, especially for snappers who are only called out when they have bad snaps. But Silver has talent for the NFL to see – with easy throws back to the punter that typically time in the high 0.7s to low 0.8s and with good athleticism to get downfield to cover punts. For the past three seasons in the SEC, in fact, the Missouri native has short snapped for field goals/PATs as well as deep snapped for punts, giving him outstanding experience for scouts to judge.

That concludes our list of featured players; check back tomorrow August 27th for the reveal of the entire Big Board.

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